Probióticos como prevención y tratamiento a las infecciones del aparato reproductor femenino

Abstract

Recurrent vulvovaginal infections represent a frequent problem in clinical practice, and also bring great social and psychological consequences for women. The development of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials for its treatment and a greater understanding of the function of the vaginal microbiota have raised the need for new treatment strategies. Probiotics have emerged as an alternative to antibiotics due to their ability to restore and maintain the balance of the microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and display antimicrobial properties. The objective in carrying out this narrative review was to know the usefulness of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of the most common infections, that is, bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, and to provide an update on their current understanding. To do this, relevant studies were retrieved from the data sources of the last 5 years. In vitro and clinical studies show that probiotics based mainly on Lactobacillus strains and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) have positive effects on the composition of the vaginal microflora by promoting the proliferation of Lactobacilli ssp., restoring the balance of the vaginal microbiota and prevent infections. They also show the antimicrobial properties of probiotics against G. vaginalis and C. albicans and are therefore effective for the prevention and treatment of BV and CVV. Probiotics are presented as a viable clinical alternative to conventional treatment by reducing the use of antibiotics, promoting less development of bacterial resistance and fewer recurrences.